Music, and specifically piano, was the "thing" that opened me up,
brought me a focus, "tuned" me into an awareness of why I may be here
on this planet and in this life. I first became aware of an innate
love and draw to classical music while studying at Happy Valley
boarding school during my teens. The school was initially conceived
by Krishnamurti and some of the unique philosophy of the school
included playing classical music and reading poetry aloud a few
minutes each day before classes began. I would venture to say none
of the other 30-40 students cared in the least for the practice. I
started to run the music part of this ritual and from that experience
I began to learn about the various composers and about what I liked
in particular.
With this bit of musical background from my school, I was
simultaneously being exposed to Beethoven's music via my older
brother and his piano teacher. This exposure was limited yet very
profound, both spiritually and intellectually. I would carry the
music in my head and heart as I travelled on vacation, visiting
parents (and brothers) who lived separately in somewhat exotic
countries around the world. There wasn't a lot of opportunity to
actually play under the changeable circumstances so I played in my
heart a lot. Eventually, I settled down for awhile and began some
solid studying, at Oberlin conservatory, for example. The studying
and playing were always becoming interrupted somehow and then it
stopped altogether for a very long time while I went through years
and years of health problems and pains in my arms, back and neck.
I guess I kept that music playing in my head and heart because it really
never became lost although I all but gave up on my visions and dreams of
any future for it. I went on to pursue some other things, all the while
working on my health and figuring that out, bit by bit. Piano Pictures is
a first culmination of those secret and hidden visions and dreams I had carried
for so long. I did make 3 former piano recordings for my piano students, beginning
in 1999. And there are hopefully at least several more "culminations" to come,
including music by my first real inspiration, Beethoven. I have experimented with
composing and improvising, in particular for music theory and improvisation classes
while at college. The thrill I personally receive is by interpreting great composers' music.
It is a spiritual process for me which so far has fully satisfied my needs in expressing myself.
I share my album with you. I hope it can open your hearts to this
genre of music that few people still listen to and enjoy.
Take good care,
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